Attorney. State senator. Wife. Mother. Proud Mississippian. Friend of agriculture. These are just a few words that describe Senator Jenifer Branning, the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation 2021 Friend of Ag award winner.
From an early age, Branning learned that opportunities are not given, then are earned. This is why she works hard for her clients, constituents of Senate District 18 and community.
“I don’t come from a long history of secondary-educated people or politicians. I come from hard working people, so the lesson of working hard to earn what you want was instilled in me at an early age,” Branning said. “My grandfather only completed the eighth grade, but he was a successful man. He started his own trucking business and ran a cattle operation on the side.”
Initially, Branning wanted to graduate from Mississippi State University, move back to Philadelphia and open her own business. But, after taking a business law class, her interest in studying law blossomed.
“I knew that whatever I did, I wanted to move back to Philadelphia and do my part to make it a better place,” she said.
Even before being elected to the Mississippi Senate, Branning dedicated herself to helping her community find solutions to issues they faced – many of which involved agriculture.
“I first-hand see the problems and the things that farmers face, not only from a personal perspective, but from those that I represent in the law office. So, it helps me to do a better job, I believe, while I’m in Jackson, seeing those issues that we need to address for those in the agri-business community.”
And, Branning knows her constituents will hold her accountable.
“What I really want to convey to people is – I don’t come from a family of attorneys or politicians, so when I’m pushing legislation, it’s because I know my constituents back home will benefit from it,” Branning said.
As an attorney and one of the few female legislators in Jackson, Branning understands the influence has, but she’s more focused on doing everything in her power to make Mississippi a better place for future generations, including her three sons.
“There are opportunities in Mississippi for young people, and I try to encourage them to follow their passions, earn an education and do what you love, but stay here in Mississippi to do it. I think the sky is the limit for anyone that has dreams and goals. You just have to be willing to work hard and put in the effort and energy.”